I have wondered about the same thing...what species of dec. trees to use for the litter...and what is so special about magnolia leaves..? Size? And why just "live" oak versus the other more readily available oak species, i.e., red, white..etc. Since I have so many trees that I have planted on this farm about 85, I have a good selection. Do I cut off a branch and let them dry or do I wait for the fall when they shed..at which point in either case I would sterilize them...Thanks for guidance!!